Some local high school teachers traded lesson plans for construction plans this past weekend.
A contingent from the Peel unit of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation joined a Brampton Habitat for Humanity work crew Saturday to help build a home for a local family.
About 10 teachers pitched in during the latest phase of construction on Hoskins Square, a subdivision just north of Dixie Road and Queen Street. The not-for-profit home building organization Habitat for Humanity is building three homes on the street.Habitat for Humanity Brampton is working with community partners to provide affordable housing and promote homeownership for families who might otherwise find it financially out-of-reach.
The local OSSTF chapter started lending a hand on construction sites last year and now has long list of teachers eager to volunteer on builds in Peel region each year.
Providing housing for families, who might not be able to afford a home otherwise, has a direct link to a child’s success in the classroom, said Mark Hauck, the OSSTF coordinator for the local build and a Peel District School Board social studies teacher.
“The children who now enjoy the benefits of affordable housing almost always increase their performance in school,” he said. “OSSTF supports any initiative that allows students to arrive in school ready to learn and maximize their potential.”
Much like the school breakfast programs many teachers also volunteer to support, Hauck explained, these local building projects satisfy family needs outside the classroom that can make it difficult for children to concentrate in class.
Teachers work under the direction of site managers— performing a wide variety of construction labour. Some OSSTF volunteers are just handy with tools, but many are construction, design and technology teachers with real expertise.
Many teachers entered the profession because they had a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, said Hauck.
“Knowing that they have played a small role in helping a child and their family improve their lives brings all of our members, both those that actually participate on the build, and the rest of the membership a great sense of accomplishment,” he remarked.
Habitat for Humanity Brampton’s 36inTEN campaign is an ambitious commitment started last year to build 36 homes in 10 years.
Phase One is the construction of three detached homes on Hoskins Square. The first house was completed earlier this year, with the remaining homes scheduled for completion in spring 2013.
More than 30 homes are planned for the areas of Torbram Road south and McLaughlin Road north in the next two phases.